Apparatus for stimulating the physiological processes of living organism using light waves electromagnetic induction and thermal interaction

ABSTRACT

The subject of the invention is an apparatus for stimulating the physiological processes of living organisms using light waves, electromagnetic induction and thermal interaction, simultaneously bringing both the cells and molecules of living organism into an energetically richer excited state. 
 
The apparatus includes a number of supports ( 1 ) with an identical height and optional shape. These are connected with the upper plane of the apparatus, this including a thinly woven material ( 2 ). The thinly woven material ( 2 ) is line from above with an insulating thermal material ( 3 ). The supports ( 1 ) in their lower part have installed electromagnetic wave emitters ( 4 ) that emit an electromagnetic field with a frequency ranging from 10 Hz to 100 Hz and with electromagnetic induction ranging from 0.001 μT to 80 μT. The electromagnetic wave emitters ( 4 ) simultaneously emit the required quantity of heat. In order to enable the permeation of air and thermal emission, the insulating thermal material ( 3 ) has freely spaced and optionally shaped openings of the insulating thermal material ( 3 ) there are installed light wave emitters ( 5 ), which emit waves with a length ranging from 380 nm to 630 nm.

The subject of the invention is an apparatus for stimulating thephysiological processes of living organisms using light waves,electromagnetic waves and thermal interaction, simultaneously bringingboth the cells and molecules of living organism into an energeticallyricher excited state.

Various types of apparatuses emitting variable electromagnetic fields,apparatuses emitting thermal waves, as well as apparatuses emittinglight waves are well known.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,685,462 concerns an apparatus for the treatment ofhypothermia using a magnetic field. The apparatus in question isequipped with two spiral induction coils coupled with an RF generatorthrough an automatic frequency tuning system which includes condensersand induction coils. The spiral coils are located in a non-conductingcylinder that constitutes an element of the shield. One of the coilsreceives a signal from the RF generator with a frequency tuned to theresonance, while the other—by mutual induction.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,344,384 concerns an apparatus for magnetotherapy that isstimulated by a magnetic field generated periodically from coils with afield frequency ranging from 10 to 90 Hz when required. This apparatusfunctions as a stimulator for sick parts of the human body. It comprisesa number of flexible elements that are permanently connected with eachother. Each of these elements has an internal magnetic field generator,made up of a high-power coil that fills nearly the entire flexibleelement. These elements may be permanently connected to createapparatuses in the form of mats, belts and compresses placed on sickparts of the human body.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,453,074 concerns an apparatus for electromagnetictherapy that is intended for human beings and improves the generalphysical condition thereof. It is made up of a flat base terminating ina headrest and covered with a movable part, which is shorter than thebase and moves along it. This apparatus may generate electromagneticfield—safe for the patient—for individual parts of the human body andthe head over short periods of time; the fields are generated byelectromagnetic generators located in the apparatus' cylinders.

German utility model description no. 299 19 950 concerns a therapeuticlamp for the treatment of individual parts of the human body by means ofa concentrated electromagnetic field. This lamp has a concentratedsystem of spirals located in a narrow housing, emitting anelectromagnetic field ensuring extremely limited interaction withspecific, small part of the human body.

Various types of apparatuses emitting light waves of varying lengths andwith relatively high emission powers, ranging from 30 to 300 W, are wellknown.

Polish patent specification no. 177426 concerns a therapeutic lamp forbiostimulation utilising polarised light, which includes a spot-lightsource with a power rating ranging from 30 to 300 W that is located inthe focus of a reflector in the shape of a paraboloid of revolution; itcontains a light filter plate and integral plastic housing made up oftwo tubular parts with identical circular sections, which are connectedwith each other at an angle of 114°.

Polish patent specification no. 181716 concerns an apparatus forphotodynamic irradiation with a housing fitted with a lamp, a reflectorsurrounding the lamp, a set of filters installed on the path of thelight beam, a light outlet located behind the set of filters, a dosingdevice for the precise measuring of radiation energy provided to thepatient by the apparatus, and an electronic range-finder for measuringthe irradiation distance and for utilising such measurements whensetting the required irradiation distance.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,450,941 concerns a hair-care and drying apparatus thatstimulates body cells with pulsating electromagnetic radiation; it ispowered by current pulses with a frequency ranging from 200 Hz to 20000Hz and a current pulse amplitude between 15 and 25 V. The pulse durationranges from 2 to 200 microseconds. At the same time, infrared radiationof three wavelengths—600 nm, 900 nm and 1200 nm—and blue light with awavelength of 400 nm, generated by semiconductor diodes or laser diodes,acts on the hair. The commencement of pulsating electromagnetic andvisible radiation is accompanied by the activation of a blower supplyinghot air with a temperature of 37° C., which dries the hair. Theapparatus may act on the hair and skin of the head for only a relativelyshort time, from a few to a few dozen minutes. This time is limited bythe complete drying of the hair by the hot air supplied by the electricblower.

The disadvantage of all of the abovementioned apparatuses and methodsapplied for living organisms consists in the fact that there exists noapparatus enabling the optional connection of electromagnetic andmagnetic field emission with the emission of light waves of varyinglengths and/or with the emission of heat onto the living organism. Forsafety reasons, the apparatuses hitherto used may be used only forrelatively short periods of time, ranging from a few to a few dozenminutes. This brevity of application is the result of excessive valuesof magnetic induction emission or the high values of the electromagneticfield acting on the basis of pulses and the high power of lamps emittinglight waves, which causes the overheating of the parts of the human bodyexposed to radiation. When used for longer periods, the apparatuseshitherto known—utilising current frequencies from 200 to 20000 Hz—exerta negative influence on many of the reactions occurring in livingorganisms.

It is commonly known that the living organism adapts favourably inprocesses with very low electromagnetic field values and negligiblepowers of light wave emitters acting thereon, together with an optimaltemperature acting on the whole organism at the same time. Suchprocesses should influence the living organism on a long-term basis,while in certain instances—even continuously over extended periods oftime. In the case of living organisms, sleep or rest are the times mostappropriate for such types of interaction.

The objective of the invention consisted in constructing an apparatusthat would ensure the safety of stimulation and the course of livingprocesses, and at the same time would make it possible for a livingorganism to be influenced by an electromagnetic field with a low valueof electromagnetic induction emission, this being accompanied by thenegligible power of lamps used for the emission of light waves and thelow, non-forced thermal emission over an unlimited period of time on theorganism. An apparatus of this type would also favourably influence theorganism in the event of advanced ailments, where the immunologicalsystem is already heavily burdened and is unable to withstand themomentary, strong action of existing apparatuses.

In accordance with the invention, the apparatus for stimulating thephysiological processes of living organisms has an optional spatialform, limited by two parallel or nearly parallel planes. Between theseplanes there is a space with an appropriately selected height, which maybe limited by side walls. The apparatus is made up of a number ofsupports of equal height and optional shape. These supports areconnected with the upper plane of the apparatus, this being thinly wovenmaterial or—preferably—a mesh of glass fibre or any other material,inhibiting the development of bacteria. In accordance with theinvention, the upper side of the thinly woven material is lined with aninsulating thermal material, advantageously elastic and with fungicidaland bactericidal properties. In the lower parts of the supports,immediately above their plane of foundation, there are installedemitters of electromagnetic waves, advantageously coils and/or groups ofcoils emitting an electromagnetic field with a frequency ranging from 10Hz to 100 Hz and with electromagnetic induction ranging from 0.001 μT to80 μT. Preferably, the frequency of the electromagnetic field shouldrange from 50 to 60 Hz, while the electromagnetic induction—from 0.01 μTto 5.00 μT. The electromagnetic wave emitters also emit the requiredquantity of heat. The electromagnetic wave emitters are selected in sucha way, so that at the level of the upper plane of the apparatus,slightly above the thinly woven material or at the level thereof, ateach and every point of the upper plane of the apparatus—in accordancewith the invention—it is possible to obtain any value of electromagneticinduction within the range 0,001 μT-80 μT. In order to enable thepenetration of air and thermal emission, the insulating thermal materialhas freely placed and optionally sized openings which let through air.These openings may have the shape of elongated slits. They may also beround or ellipsoidal, with varying or identical diameters, or createslits around honeycombed regular polygons made of the insulating thermalmaterial. The slits or openings in the insulating thermal materialcontain light wave emitters, which emit waves with lengths ranging from380 nm to 630 nm and a generated frequency from 0.5 MHz to 100 MHz. Itis advantageous for the emitted light waves to have a generatedfrequency within the range of 0.8 MHz to 1.2 MHz. The light waveemitters in the openings of the insulating thermal material areinstalled in quads or in series, and comprise emitters emitting lightwith an identical length of the light wave or with light wave lengthsvarying within the range 380 nm-63.0 nm. In these slits or openings inthe insulating thermal material there are installed from one to manyemitters of light waves, depending on requirements; it is favourable forthe number of emitters to total between 1 and 8. It is important for thelight wave emitters to occupy ⅔ of the length of the apparatus, or thecentral part thereof. The light wave emitters are low-power units up to100 mW, and it is advantageous if they are light diodes with a powerfrom 20 mW to 50 mW. The electromagnetic wave emitters are powered by analternating current with a voltage that is safe for living organisms,i.e. ranging from 6 to 24 V. The strength of the electromagnetic fieldemitted by the electromagnetic wave emitters is regulated by changingthe intensity of the current flowing through selected electromagneticwave emitters. In accordance with the invention, the apparatus is fittedwith sensors and devices for the control, measurement and regulation oftemperature in the vicinity of the upper plane. It may also be equippedwith sensors and devices for the continuous measurement and regulationof the value of emitted electromagnetic induction, at each and everypoint of the apparatus' upper plane. Both the sensors and theapparatuses for the measurement and regulation of emitted values ofelectromagnetic induction and the value of heat emitted are connected tothe control system of the apparatus. The control system of the apparatusis fitted with a generator of the frequencies of emitted light waves,this enabling the trouble-free adapting of their frequencies to currentoperating requirements. Because the control system of the apparatus isfitted with a processor, it is possible to continuously monitor thevalues of electromagnetic induction emissions, the values of heatemission and light emission by means of a personal computer. In order toenhance operator comfort, the invented apparatus may be divided alongits longer side into two or more elements permanently connected witheach other, enabling the assembly or disassembly thereof.

In accordance with the invention, a variant of the apparatus maycomprise elements of varying shapes and sizes, usually in the form ofbelts, compresses or other, fixed to individual parts of the livingcreature. These consist of thermal insulating material with freelyshaped openings installed on appropriately shaped thinly woven material.Light wave emitters are installed in these openings. The surface linedwith the thermal insulating material adheres directly to the part of thebody upon which the appropriately shaped element is placed. The oppositeside of the appropriately shaped thinly woven material may have an emptyspace with an appropriately selected thickness, limited from the outsideby a material enabling the controlled, natural penetration of air; tothe inside thereof there are fixed electromagnetic wave emitters thatemit an electromagnetic field and the required quantity of heat. Theentire apparatus—both with installed electromagnetic wave emitters andinstalled light wave emitters—is powered by batteries or accumulators.The batteries or accumulators also power the system for measuring,controlling and regulating the emission of media by the apparatus. Thisvariant makes it possible to simultaneously act by means ofelectromagnetic emission, light emission and heat emission on selectedparts of the body of a living organism, without hindering the freedom ofmovement thereof.

In accordance with the invention, another advantageous variant of theapparatus is one with dimensions selected for various objectives used tosit or lie on, including car seats.

In accordance with the invention, a different variant of the inventionis a mattress. The lower plane of the mattress is permanently connectedwith the side walls. The bottom part of the mattress and its side wallsare lined with a leakproof non-permeable material. The internal part ofthe mattress bottom or the area just above the bottom carries emittersof electromagnetic waves with an electromagnetic induction in the range0.001 μT-80 μT, which also emit the required quantity of heat. It isadvantageous if the electromagnetic wave emitters are placed beneath/orbetween two fabrics or materials that allow for the passage of heatradiation. The upper layer of the apparatus is a thinly woven material.In accordance with the invention, the thinly woven material comprisingthe upper layer of the apparatus is lined with an insulating thermalmaterial. In order to enable the penetration of air and thermalemission, the insulating thermal material has freely spaced andoptionally shaped air-permeable openings, in which there may beinstalled light wave emitters. The side walls of the apparatus may haveventilating holes, opened and closed manually or automatically wheneverit becomes necessary to lower or increase the thermal value emitted bythe electromagnetic wave emitters in the direction of the upper plane ofthe apparatus. The clear area inside the apparatus, in order to enhancethe comfort of the user, may be fitted—this between the bottom andthinly woven material—with a spring-based upholstery structure, with aclear area left around the upholstery springs in order to enableventilation and the circulation of media within the apparatus and theemission thereof towards the upper plane. The external plane of thebottom and the sides of the apparatus have—typical for mattresses—aneasy to remove upholstery, which is partially turned up above the upperedge of the sides on to the insulating material placed above, this insuch a way as not to cover the slits or openings in the insulatingmaterial.

One of the advantages of the apparatus as presented in accordance withthe invention consists in the fact that it is possible to simultaneouslyact on the living organism by the emission of an electromagnetic fieldwith low values, by the emission of low-power light waves, and alsonatural heat emission. The low values of media emitted mean that livingorganisms can freely remain in their reaction field without any timelimits. The living organism utilising the apparatus as presented inaccordance with the invention is exposed neither to any hazardous highfrequencies of the currents flowing through the apparatus, nor to thethermal overheating of skin or internal cells. The apparatus makes itpossible to maintain the stable temperature of the living organism, andprevents its overheating or sweating. An additional advantage of theapparatus is that it ensures optimal sleeping conditions, and thus evenover a short period of sleep it is possible to ensure the improvedregeneration of living organisms. When the apparatus is adapted toseats, and in particular to car seats, drivers benefit from higherlevels of concentration.

In accordance with the invention, the apparatus for stimulating thephysiological processes of living organisms has been presented on thebasis of the following manufactured example, where

FIG. 1 presents the apparatus in accordance with the invention withelongated openings,

FIG. 2 presents the exemplary spacing of the supports of the apparatus,

FIG. 3 presents an exemplary form of the apparatus, in the shape of astrip,

FIG. 4 presents an exemplary form of the apparatus in the shape of a legcompress,

FIG. 5 presents an exemplary form of the apparatus in the shape of aarmband,

FIG. 6 presents the apparatus in the shape of a mattress,

FIG. 7 presents the apparatus in the shape of a mattress (axonometricsection).

In accordance with the invention, the apparatus for stimulating thephysiological processes of living organisms, in the shape of a flatrectangular prism, consists of supports 1, to which there are attachedelectromagnetic wave emitters. The supports 1 are permanently connectedto the bottom part of the thinly woven material 2. The upper plane ofthe thinly woven material 2 is lined with an insulating material thathas elongated openings, in which there are installed light wave emitters5. The variant of the apparatus in the form of a band has a feeder cableand control device 9. The variants of the apparatus in the form of anarmband and headband are connected by cable 10 with the feeder cable andcontrol device 9. The variant of the apparatus in the shape of amattress has light wave emitters 5 fitted in the openings of theinsulating material 3. Openings 6 are situated in the side walls of themattress-shaped apparatus and at one of the shorter edges, in thethermal insulating material. The electromagnetic wave emitters 4 areinstalled between the two fabrics 8.

1. The apparatus for stimulating the physiological processes of livingorganisms in the form of a rectangular prism, containing between thebottom and the upper plane a clear area enabling the emission ofelectromagnetic and thermal waves, with coils fitted at the bottom,between two fabrics enabling the permeation of heat radiation,characterized by its optional spatial form, limited by two parallel ornearly parallel planes, comprising a number of supports (1) with anidentical height and optional shape, permanently connected with theupper plane of the apparatus, this comprising a thinly woven material(2), lined from above with an insulating thermal material (3), whereasthe insulating thermal material (3) has freely spaced and optionallyshaped openings in which there are installed light wave emitters (5)that emit light waves with a length ranging from 380 nm to 630 nm,frequency from 0.5 MHz to 100 MHz and power of up to 100 mW, while thesupports (1) in their lower part have installed electromagnetic waveemitters (4), selected in such a way so that at the level of the upperplane of the apparatus, slightly above the thinly woven material or atthe level thereof, at each and every point of the upper plane of theapparatus—in accordance with the invention—it is possible to obtain anyvalue of electromagnetic induction within the range 0.001 μT-80 μT, witha frequency of 20 Hz to 80 Hz, simultaneously emitting a specificquantity of heat, whereas the equipment is powered by an alternatingcurrent with a voltage that is safe for living organisms, ranging from 6to 24 V, and is connected to the control system of the apparatus,containing a generator of the frequencies of emitted light waves.
 2. Theapparatus, pursuant to claim 1, characterized by the fact that theelectromagnetic wave emitters (4) emit waves with an electromagneticinduction within the range of 0.01 μT to 5.00 μT and with a frequencyranging from 40 Hz to 60 Hz.
 3. The apparatus, pursuant to claim 1,characterized by the fact that the thinly woven material (2) is a meshmade from fibre glass or any other material inhibiting the developmentof bacteria.
 4. The apparatus, pursuant to claim 1, characterized by thefact that the insulating thermal material (3) is elastic and hasfungicidal and bactericidal properties.
 5. The apparatus, pursuant toclaim 1, characterized by the fact that the freely spaced openings inthe insulating thermal material (3) have the shape of elongated slits orcircles and/or ellipsoids with differing or identical diameters, or formslits around honeycombed regular polygons.
 6. The apparatus, pursuant toclaim 1, characterized by the fact that the light wave emitters (5) emitlight waves with a frequency ranging from 0.8 MHz to 1.2 MHz and arelocated in series or in quads, in freely selected quantities.
 7. Theapparatus, pursuant to claim 1, characterized by the fact that thenumber of light wave emitters (5) totals between 1 and
 8. 8. Theapparatus, pursuant to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the lightwave emitters are situated at ⅔ of the length of the apparatus or in thecentral part of the upper open plane of the apparatus.
 9. The apparatus,pursuant to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the light waveemitters (5) are diodes with a power of 20 mW to 50 mW.
 10. Theapparatus, pursuant to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it hasthe shape of belts, compresses or other, attached to individual parts ofthe human body or as the lining of other objects used to sit or lie on.11. The apparatus, pursuant to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatit constitutes a mattress, the bottom of which is permanently connectedwith the side walls, whereas the bottom and interior parts of the sidewalls are lined with a leakproof non-permeable material, while theinternal part of the mattress bottom or the area just above the bottomcarries emitters of electromagnetic waves (4) and heat emitters, whilethe upper plane of the apparatus is a thinly woven material (2), linedfrom above with an insulating thermal material (3) that has freelyspaced and optionally shaped openings, in which there are located lightwave emitters (5), whereas the side walls of the apparatus haveventilation holes (6), opened and closed manually or automatically, andthe clear area inside the apparatus is fitted—this between the bottomand thinly woven material—with a spring-based upholstery structure, witha clear area left around the upholstery springs.
 12. The apparatus,pursuant to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the electromagneticwave emitters (4) are coils and/or groups of coils.
 13. The apparatus,pursuant to claim 11, characterized by the fact that the coils and/orgroups of coils (4) are placed beneath/or between two fabrics ormaterials (8) enabling the permeation of heat radiation.